It was as if I was desperately willing the moon to shine; by some spectacular feat to hold back those dark ominous clouds and display its splendor and beauty. This night there was a chill in the air and the cool breeze blew a serenity over the evening that was only magnified by this lustrous full moon. But as quickly as it showed, it disappeared behind dark rain clouds. For most of the evening, the moon and the clouds were doing that dance.
I caught a glimpse of the light and so I started to detest the rain clouds that I would usually embrace, this night instead preferring the brightness and elegance of the moon. Although it comes around every month, there is something about a full moon brightening the night that is captivating; compelling you to stop and look. If you’re anything like me, whenever you have the opportunity, you perch yourself in a comfy spot under the open night sky and enjoy the majesty of God’s creation.
But this night the heavy rain clouds which are unusual for the end of February, were hampering my desire for moon gazing. Most of the time as I sat by the open window, there was hardly any sign that the moon was even in the sky. At times there was a small streak of light, other times half of the moon would peep from behind the clouds and then soon after it would be gone. This night it seemed that although the moon was fighting to break free from behind those clouds, it just couldn’t and instead a night sky that could have been lit with magnificence, was dark and heavy with rain clouds.
I thought to myself, “looks like the moon lost this fight”, so I closed my windows from the impending rain. It was then that I thought; although I cannot see the moon hidden behind the clouds, it was surely still shining in all its enchanting beauty. It brought to mind the scripture in Matthew 5:14-16.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
I then thought that despite our best efforts, life and its circumstances come harshly and unexpectedly upon us and that just like the clouds, can cover us with gloom, darkness and even depression. The loss of a parent or a child, sickness, an unfulfilled dream or a broken marriage are just a few things that roll in heaviness, like a rain cloud. It may even be an attack on your thoughts, your dreams and your self-worth that try to fill your mind with untruths.
Some of these heavy days you may feel moderately okay to function, something like the streaks of light trying to shine through the thick dark clouds. Then there may be days when you can barely pick yourself up and the heaviness seems to block any existence of positivity, strength or light.
You must know though, that a moon seemingly hidden behind dark clouds is still shining, because clouds do not extinguish the light of the moon, they only mask it and only for a time. The moon will continue to shine, it remains full, glorious and beautiful even behind the clouds. It was created to shine and its nature cannot be changed by a curtain of darkness, it shines anyway.
You must know that the same way that the rain clouds must eventually move, the clouds of darkness, hurt and disappointment in your life will eventually move and the light in you will shine out. People may look in amazement at how you endured the storm and this will be your testimony of strength, endurance and more so, the light of God that can never be removed by anything that life throws at you.
These aren’t just words for me, this is a truth of the saving power of Christ and the new life and light that he placed within me. There was a time when dark clouds threatened my very life and at the time, I didn’t know that I was made from something (rather someone) stronger than the toughest challenge, with might and light that spans time and space, and more powerful than any circumstance. His name is Jesus Christ! He eventually blew the storm clouds away and the light that was always in me, shone through to the glory of God the Father.
You are light. You cannot be dimmed and you cannot be extinguished. Any circumstance that rises, is just a cloud, whether it is a passing rain cloud or a full-on hurricane. You are still light, existing and radiating the light of Christ. That is why you should know that just like the other fights, you will be victorious in this one as well, because your light never went out, your purpose was never thwarted and your destiny is not annihilated.
You are the light that cannot be hidden, your light will always shine … because rainy weather only shows up some nights but the Moon shines every single night! Speak to your circumstance, speak to your insecurity, speak to your fear and declare to every naysayer, I am light in this dark world and God the Father will be glorified through me.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life". John 8:12
Love Ya!
Krystal Baynes-Hoseinee
